2 burning problems. Convince me that this isn't a crap prod!

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heni79

2 burning problems. Convince me that this isn't a crap prod!

Post by heni79 »

I just recently downloaded MovieFactory 4, and if someone can help me solve a few issues I'm having with the program, I'm planning on buying it. I really like all the things you can do with it, especially in the menu creating section.

I'm experiencing some weird problems when burning.

First, I burned 3 short clips (4 minutes all together) onto a TDK DVD-R and that went fine. Then, I burned a much larger project (9 clips, approximately 83 minutes all together) on a TDK DVD-R and these are the problems I encountered:

1. In clip 7, the audio is out of sync, but only by a second or two. All other clips play fine. Original clip does not have this problem.

2. I have 3 menus on my DVD (3 clips on each menu). On my DVD player, the buttons ('home', 'next' etc.) work fine, but they don't work when I want to play the disc on my computer. Also, my mouse turns into a hand when I point it to clip 1 and clip 2. Nothing happens when I point to clip 3. If I click on clip 2, the computer starts playing the first clip. The disc didn't have these problems when I played it in my DVD player, this only happens when I want to play it on my computer. I'm experiencing the exact same problems when playing the disc on my laptop.

If I can solve these two issues, I'm going to buy this program.

I burned the same project in Nero and that went fine. The disc turned out perfectly and it only took approximately 15 minutes. It took 1 hour and a half to burn with MF4. For some reason, the only burning program that has worked perfectly for me so far is Nero and if it wasn't for the menu creating part (too few options, IMO), I'd buy Nero in a heartbeat. I have also tried Pinnacle's CD/DVD Suit but that hasn't worked for me either.

I have an external Samsung DVD burner. It requires USB 2.0. and I have that. I just got it about a month ago. My computer runs on Windows XP, SP2 and I have a 320 GB hard drive.

If anyone can help, please, please help me!!! I so want to be able to burn!!!

Thanks,
Heni
maddrummer3301
Posts: 2507
Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:24 pm
Location: US

Post by maddrummer3301 »

You can use MF4 to create an ISO file or "DVD Folders" on the harddisk.
You can use Nero to burn these files(iso file or dvd folders) to make a dvd
or you can use Burn.now to burn the dvd folder or iso image.

MD
heni79

Post by heni79 »

maddrummer3301 wrote:You can use MF4 to create an ISO file or "DVD Folders" on the harddisk.
You can use Nero to burn these files(iso file or dvd folders) to make a dvd
or you can use Burn.now to burn the dvd folder or iso image.

MD
This sounds wonderful! If I could do that my problems would be solved! Please, explain to me what to do EXACTLY to create an ISO file. I am a total newbie, so I have no idea what an ISO file is or how to create one.

Thank you so much, and please, please help me!

Heni
Philander
Posts: 61
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2005 3:25 am

Post by Philander »

In the very final step of creating Disc of DVD MF4, there is an option to create disc image file (please refer to page 50 to 51 of the DVD MF4 manual).

Just uncheck the record to disc, create DVD folders selections in the burning options.
maddrummer3301
Posts: 2507
Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:24 pm
Location: US

Post by maddrummer3301 »

How to create dvd folder on the harddisk using MF3/4:
(And/Or create an iso dvd disk image file)

When you get to the burning screen click on the "Drop-down" arrow
on the right side of the screen to display additional parameters.
UnCheck "Create/Burn Disk"
Check ON "Create DVD Folders"
Select a directory and create the VIDEO_TS folder on the harddisk.
Everything should go very fast unless MF has to re-encode the video(s).
Meaning that you joined them or edited/split them.
The DVD Folder directory structure and files are a mirror of what would be
written to the dvd EXCEPT it's on the harddisk.

The nice feature about creating a dvd-folder is you can test the
dvd before burning it.

You can then TEST the video dvd structure created on the harddisk
by opening up "PowerDvd" or WinDvd or Ulead Dvd Player and selecting
"Play from dvd folder on harddisk" and navigating to the VIDEO_TS
directory.
This way you can test the dvd to make sure everything is the way you
want it before you spend the time to burn a dvd. There may be something
wrong with the menu etc that you want to change ....

You can WRITE/BURN both an ISO file or/and a dvd folder to DVD using
ulead software or another program like Nero.
DVD Folders is a Copy of the Dvd and an ISO image file is one large
image file of the dvd. An ISO image file for a full dvd would be one file
approx 4 or more gigaBytes in size.

How to burn a dvd_folder using Nero:
Open up "Nero" and select "DVD-Video" then in the compiliation window
drag the VIDEO_TS folder created on the harddisk to the VIDEO_TS
folder in Nero's compilation window. Then proceed to burn the dvd.
In the Burning process output screen of Nero iit's advisable to check
the disk verify ON. Takes longer but well worth the wait to ensure a
proper dvd burn.

Using MF to burn a dvd folder or iso file is a selection from the main
splash screen. (I will have to review the steps before posting them).

Any re-encoded video is re-encoded to the settings you have set as
the "Project Settings".

Hope this helps,

MD
heni79

Post by heni79 »

Thank you Philander for your response, and thank you MD for the great info you posted. That is exactly what a newbie needs!! Step by step descriptions! :D

However, I have run into a problem I need help with. I have not been able to create a DVD folder properly. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. I must be doing something wrong. I take it that it makes no difference whether one is using a trial version or not (I'm using a trial version of MF4).

My problem is that I create a DVD folder successfully, but when I access it, it’s empty. This is what I did:

1. I created my video project (complete with menus and everything).
2. When I reached the final step (the “burning screen”), I unchecked “Record to disc”. I clicked on the arrow to the right and got some more options.
3. Now I checked the “Create DVD folders” option and then clicked on the little folder icon to choose a location for my DVD folder.
4. I created a new folder named Bridge (in C: ) and then clicked OK.
5. This is what the “Create DVD folders” line read now: C:\Bridge\VIDEO_TS
6. The process mentioned above was executed immediately. Also, under “Required space” it reads: Required/Available hard disk space: 6.79 GB/179.99 GB. So, from my understanding, this means that the size of my DVD folder is supposed to be 6.79 GB and my entire hard drive still holds 179.99 GB (this is correct).
7. Now, I close down MF4 completely and go to my C: unit. I can see my new folder Bridge, but when I access it, it’s completely empty. When I point to the folder, my computer says it’s an empty folder. I even opened Ulead’s DVD player and accessed my Bridge file via the player to see if the player could detect some files in the folder, but it couldn’t.

Very strange! What am I doing wrong here? Should something be checked or unchecked that I’ve missed fixing?

I hope you can help me, because I really want to be able to do this!!

Thanks so much. I’m most grateful for any help I can get!!

Heni
bubbear

Post by bubbear »

Did you click on the burn button at bottom right? Even though you are not actually burning a disk you need to click this to get MF to create the DVD on your hard drive.

Bubbear
maddrummer3301
Posts: 2507
Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:24 pm
Location: US

Post by maddrummer3301 »

Heni,
As posted above you have to click on "Burn" (lower right corner)
and have MF do it's thing to process the project files and create
either the dvd folders or iso file.

But, your project looks like it's over 4.370gigs which is the maximum
size of a single-layer dvd.
Unless you burn the dvd to a dual-layered dvd+r disk (expensive) your
project will not fit onto a single-sided dvd.

First though, get the creation process down & sucessfully create dvd folders
and test the dvd. Then you can work on reducing the bit-rate or shrinking
the dvd down to fit on a single-layer dvd.

(Don't forget to click "BURN")

MD
morrisgirl6806

Post by morrisgirl6806 »

Hello,

As far a the file being to large to fit on a single layer DVD, you can try shrinking/compressing the file before you burn it or create the DVD folder. There is a compress icon on toward the bottom left of the screen. I believe it is opposite the burn button.

Also, if compressing the file in this manner is not working for you, you can go ahead and create the DVD folder anway, like you are trying to do. You can download totally free software called DVD Shrink. Follow the directions, and then burn it to a DVD, using Roxio or whatever.

Here is a link for the software: http://www.dvdshrink.org/what.html

Good Luck! :wink:
heni79

Post by heni79 »

I'm finally back with the latest report. Thank you everyone for your input and help. It has meant so much to me! I really appreciate it!! I didn't realize that you had to press the 'Burn' button in order to save to DVD folders!! I don't think I have to tell you twice that I'm a newbie. :wink: I'm a real DVD burning dummie. :lol:

Well, I have run into some new difficulties. I am able to save my project to a DVD folder (MF created 1 menu file and 4 video files. These files are stored in a VIDEO_TS folder. MF also created an AUDIO_TS folder, but that one is empty). I opened the menu file in my Ulead DVD player and what is happening now is that I can't click on any of the video files or any other buttons (nothing happens). I orginally created a motion menu (each video button/icon is played for 10 seconds and then jumps back to the beginning and starts playing again for 10 seconds). The videos still play for 10 seconds, but instead of playing the video over again, it jumps to the next menu (I have a total of 3 menus). After another 10 seconds, the file jumps to the third menu. When the videos on the third menu have run for 10 seconds the screen turns black (the 'movie' is over). I have played the other four video files, and they all seem fine, except when I get to the part where clip 7 is. As soon as clip 7 comes on, the sound is completely gone. If a rewind when I'm playing clip 7, the sound will suddenly be there (in sync and everything), but only if I rewind, never if I just let it play from beginning till end. Again, this problem only occurs with clip 7. I also tried playing these files in Windows Media Player. The menu problem was still there (I can't access any video buttons/icons or any other buttons, and automatically I'm taken from one menu to the next. When the last menu has been played, the movie starts playing). However, clip 7 plays perfectly!! Audio is in sync and everything. How bizarre is that!?

I also tried saving my project as an ISO file. That went fine, but the menu problem was still there plus now I had no sound at all! None of the clips had audio.

Why am I experiencing these difficulties? Does anyone know what I can do to solve my a) menu problems and b) audio problems in clip 7?

I'm going to burn my DVD folder in Nero now and I will let you know how that turned out.

Thanks for any help you can provide!!

Heni
heni79

Post by heni79 »

I just burned my DVD folder in Nero and these are the problems that I am experiencing with the disc:

1. Audio is out of sync. Now, it starts when clip 3 is played and continues through out all remaining clips (instead of just clip 7 like previously).

2. Menu doesn't work at all. I can't click on any buttons or icons. This goes for all three menus. I am experiencing the same menu problems as described above.

Does anyone have any ideas on what I should do to solve my problems?

Thanks,
Heni
maddrummer3301
Posts: 2507
Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:24 pm
Location: US

Post by maddrummer3301 »

Heni,
What happens if you play the dvd from the harddisk video_ts folder.

Open up a dvd player and select '"Play dvd from harddisk" (or similar).

You can test the dvd before burning it to see if everything works
correctly. If it doesn't then don't waste a dvd.

What are the properties of your source material?
While in MF and on the timeline screen:
Right-Click on the video and select "Properties"
Post those properties back to this forum thread.

MD
heni79

Post by heni79 »

Yesterday, I downloaded a trial version of Sonic's MyDVD and tested it on my computer. To my great amazement and joy, it worked beautifully with my computer!! I have burned several discs with MyDVD, and every one of them has turned out flawlessly so far! I even burned the project I have been trying to burn in MF and the result was perfect! No menu problems and no audio sync problems...just perfection! I'm so happy about this!! The burning process also went very fast. An 80+ minute project took about 15 minutes to burn.

I have therefore decided not to try to fix my problems in MF and concentrate on MyDVD instead. I have already uninstalled MF from my computer. I would like to thank everyone who has tried to help me, especially MD. You have been so kind and so generous with your time, and I am so grateful for that! I don't know what I would have done without all of you! Your help and support have truly meant a great deal to me. This forum has a whole bunch of wonderful people, and Ulead is lucky to have so many wonderful customers/users.

Again, thank you everyone, and the best of luck to you!

Enjoy the weekend,
Heni
lkmosley

Post by lkmosley »

Should have gotten WorkShop2... It works much better....
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